Connect With Us

Dr. Fredlee Votaw - Artist's Statement

My works are not pristine or slick, they are worn and faded, scratched and dented, eroded and weathered...
patched over by the layers of memories, thoughts and cares that grow with an artist.

I believe the catchphrase "carbon footprint" is just a kindred spirit to the real driving spirit for me and my art. All that has come before me, including family, friends, history and other artists, are part of my past, present
and future works of art. As I travel the long artist's road, I constantly reflect on the vision and the health of my "artist's footprint".
I describe my works as contemporary "Diary Art", responses to life, the world and my emotions. Instead of writing these responses down,
as one would do in a diary, I choose to release them visually, in oils or multimedia creations.

My works are not pristine and slick, they are worn and faded, scratched and dented, eroded and weathered...patched
over by the layers of memories, thoughts and cares that grow within an artist. I grew up in a family of folk artists:
quilters, carvers, weavers...farm folk. Through them, I learned to love the faded cloth, the rusty iron, the tarnished
copper and the patina on old wood. They also immersed me in all the things that are family and convinced me that the only
thing that will bring you true happiness is people, not things. They instilled in me a constant desire to investigate the
chambers of the heart where only the most mysterious aspects of love reside. These are all a part of my work and the force
behind my passion. > View My Full Biography